Tigers ground Griffins in return to the mat

MT. PLEASANT - Iowa Wesleyan wrestling is back, and the college wrestling world was put on notice when the Tigers hosted their firstr meet since the 1970s on Friday night. Iowa Wesleyan fried Fontbonne University in its long-awaited season opener, winning 33-16.

The Tigers sent nine freshman and one sophomore on the mats in its first meet in over 40 years. First up was Brendan Ferenchik, at 125 pounds, and he picked up Iowa Wesleyan's first win of the century in style, pinning Fontbonne's Ahmound Oates in 2:39.

After Kajwan Thompson was pinned at 133 pounds, the Tigers went on a streak of four wins in a row. Gaige Owens picked up a pin at 141 pounds. Jesus Diaz won at 149 pounds via an 8-1 decision. Javis Krieger and Humberto Alcala picked up pins at 157 pounds and 165 pounds respectively, and the Tigers held a commanding 27-6 lead.

Fontbonne won three of the last four matches of the night, all by decision. Dominique Morris fell by major decision, 14-2, at 174 pounds, Jarrod Metzler lost 7-5 at 197 pounds, and Brendon Lunsford fell in a grinder, 2-1. Zach Thomas had the last win of the night for Iowa Wesleyan when he picked up six points on a forfeit at 184 pounds.

Iowa Wesleyan 33, Fontbonne 16

125: Brenden Ferenchik (IW) over Ahmond Oates (FU) (Fall, 2:39); 133: Cody Castilline (FU) over Kajwan Thompson (IW) (Fall, N/A); 141: Gaige Owens (IW) over David Vance (FU) (Fall, 2:44); 149: Jesus Diaz (IW) over Josh Presley (FU) (Dec, 8-1); 157: Javis Krieger (IW) over Mujahid Smith (FU) (Fall, N/A); 165: Humberto Alcala (IW) over Christian Trigg (FU) (Fall, 1:20; 174: Micah Dennis (FU) over Dominique Morris (IW) (Major Dec, 14-2); 184: Zach Thomas (IW) wins by forfeit; 197: Sam Martin (FU) over Jarron Metzler (IW) (7-5); 285: Joey Johnson (FU) over Brendon Lunsford (IW) (Dec, 2-1)